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Research Article Volume 12 Issue 3
Bony landmarks of the facial nerve trunk in a select kenyan population: a cadaveric study
Fawzia Butt, Francis M Thuku, Symon W Guthua, Shamim M Butt, Mark L Chindia
Received: December 02, 2024 | Published: December 26, 2024
Citation: Butt F, Thuku FM, Guthua SW, et al. Bony landmarks of the facial nerve trunk in a select kenyan population: a cadaveric study. MOJ Surgery. 2024;12(3):132-135. DOI: 10.15406/mojs.2024.12.00280
Abstract
Background: Parotid gland surgery requires surgeons to have a thorough knowledge of the extracranial anatomy of the facial nerve (FN). Although several studies have documented the various bone landmarks with reference to the trunk of the facial nerve, data from the Black African population is scarce, hence the purpose of this study. Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Twenty fresh cadavers (40FNs) were dissected during post- mortem examinations at the Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. Data analysis and presentation: Descriptive analysis was done and presented using frequency diagrams, tables and graphs. Statistical tests included the Mann Whitney U, Wilcoxon signed rank, Spearman and Pearson coefficient frequency tests. Results: Regarding the morphometric data of the FN, the length of the nerve was 16.14mm (+/- 3.28), the distance from the FN trunk to the tragar pointer (TP) was 9.87mm (SD+/- 2.41), tympanomastoid suture (TMS) 5.81mm (+/- 1.28), external auditory meatus (EAM) 15.64mm (+/- 2.74), posterior belly of the digastric muscle (PBDM) 8.09mm (+/-1.78), styloid process (SP) 16.48mm (+/- 5.47) and angle of the mandible 37.98 (+/- 4.45). The SP was missing in 9 (22.9%) of the hemifacial dissections. Conclusion: In this study, the TMS and PBDM were the most accurate landmarks in the location of the FN trunk.
Keywords: bone landmarks; facial nerve; variations
©2024 Butt, et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and build upon your work non-commercially.